They have some pretty decent ones out there now. I mean I wouldnt force any fish to eat them 100% of the time..but until a good supply is built up it helps. I plan on throwing a piece of zuchinni in to see how it works next.

BlackBerryJoose, for the sake of your betta and whatever fish shall come, and for the ammonia levels and the water changes daily, I would upgrade before considering adding tankmates. A betta in a 1/2 gallon has enough bioload as it is.

I believe otos do need more room anyway, and with the upgrade, the oto should be fine.

Alright, that's good then. Because I highly doubt an oto could leave in a 1/2 gallon, even with a betta.

Blackberry, what was the kit? There's a 5 gallon kit for $30 at walmart, and a 10 gallon kit for $36 at Walmart. Your choice. I'd imagine the one you're looking at runs near 1-2 gallons? (IMO, go for the larger...haha). 5 gallons should be minimum for any kind of tankmates, and even then, you're near limited with only inverts. With anything less than 5, even having shrimp would be iffy. 10 gallons is the best for a community.

I don't even know what swordtails are, haha. See if your LFS will take them in.